Abstract 1919: Cancer Wellness Hubs: A pop-up information model to reduce cancer disparities in medically-underserved, minority communities
Authors: Lourdes A. Baezconde_Garbanati, Elena Nieves, Rosa Barahona, Marya Shegog, Dana Dornsife, Stephanie Rivera
Journal: Cancer Research (2023)

Abstract Background: To make cancer information accessible to the diverse communities of LA inan equitable manner, cancer information must be provided in culturally and language specific ways. This allows for making informed, accurate, and timely decisions about cancer whether it is preventive,treatment, or survivorship. The Lazarex Cancer Foundation has teamed up with the USC to establish Lazarex Cancer Wellness Hubs, using a “pop- up” model conceptto bring vital cancer information about cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, clinical trials and cancersupport services directly into the neighborhoods of those most impacted by cancer. Methods: We teamed up with community-based organizations, including the Weingart East LA YMCA and other YMCA’s inKoreatown and South Central LA, the KJLH radio station, ata women’s conference in Long Beach, and the Taste of Soul in the Crenshaw district,and othercommunity based organizations, schools and venues to bring cancer information to the community inculturally and linguistically sensitive ways. The Taste of Soul event is the largest street festival in LA and attracts over 350,000+. A speaker series developed provides education, guidance, consultation, comfort, and support to enhance communitymembers’ trust and reduce their fear regarding cancer, cancer screening, treatment, clinical trials, andsurvivor skills. We established a Cafecito (coffee) with the experts, a monthly series where cancer patients,caregivers, and/or family members with questions in the community can join to have cancer relatedquestions answered. Results: We provided cancer information to 3,300 individuals between July 2021/October 2022. Majority were females(83%), including family members of cancer survivors or the worried well, who are concerned about cancerin their families, patients, and community at large. Over 600 attended our speaker series, and 2,030 received information via our pop-up hubs. We supported over 150 individuals in support groups &amp; supported culturally specific community events, support groups and activities reaching 256 individuals. We have helped address food insecurity &amp; access to healthcare issues. The estimated listening audience of KJLHis 275,000 on any given day of the week. Conclusion: The diverse communities of LA are better informed about cancer,cancer risk-reduction life-style behavior changes, cancer screening, treatment, clinical trials, and survivorskills. Much education has been provided for individuals to learn and be informed about cancer in ourvulnerable diverse communities. The Lazarex Cancer Foundation Cancer Wellness Hubs proved to be aneffective strategy to reach communities directly in their own “backyard”. The intent is to replicate this effortin other diverse cities throughout the nation becoming a model in our ongoing effort to reduce cancerdisparities. Citation Format: Lourdes A. Baezconde_Garbanati, Elena Nieves, Rosa Barahona, Marya Shegog, Dana Dornsife, Stephanie Rivera. Cancer Wellness Hubs: A pop-up information model to reduce cancer disparities in medically-underserved, minority communities [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 1919.